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Lear in the Clear
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Although this is only John Lear’s second Murray Marathon, he already has a book full of tales to tell. A retired police officer, John built his own kayak for the 2003 Red Cross Herald Sun Murray Marathon, has battled with Diabetes and Carpel Tunnel, and has successfully overcome Dupuytren Disease.
Lear, a local Highfields resident, has confronted the hereditary disease head on. Dupuytren Disease directly affects the deep tissue between the fingers and the palm, resulting in a pulling of the fingers towards the palm. This, combined with Carpel Tunnel also affecting the wrist and hand, causes restricted hand movement and debilitating pain.
Remarkably John built his own kayak to tackle the Victorian River in the five day event. Taking six months to build, the kayak was developed from plans obtained from One Ocean Kayaks in America. It was built out of New Zealand Rimu, costing approximately $2,500. Mr. Lear will use this kayak again in 2004, but plans to construct a faster, smaller and lighter alternative for 2005.
During all this, John found the strength and drive to contribute to those even less fortunate. According to John, contributing to the Australian Red Cross was always a motivation to paddle the 404 kilometre journey.
'There’s always someone worse off than you, and it only takes a little bit to help' said John.
This year it is hoped the Marathon will raise $200,000 for the Australian Red Cross, with funds raised supporting Red Cross activities, such as disaster and emergency services and first aid training.
'The funds raised from this event are crucial to providing services for the local community' said John Powell, Group Manager of Fundraising, Australian Red Cross, Victoria 'The Red Cross would not be able to provide essential services such as disaster support and first aid training in the Highfields community without the help of motivated paddlers like John.'
According to John, the training and the fulfilment of completing the event also drives him to enter. His training sessions last a minimum of three hours, and include both strength and conditioning.
'I get a lot of satisfaction from the training beforehand, and in 2003 the feeling of achievement getting over the finish line was amazing,' said John.
John is one of over 700 participants entering in the Murray Marathon. Beginning on December 27 in Yarrawonga finishing in Swan Hill just in time for the New Years Eve celebrations.
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Media contacts:
Lisa Fitzgerald
Marketing & Communications Assistant
Australian Red Cross
Telephone 03 8327 7755
Mobile 0400 696 432
viccomms@redcross.org.au
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